Criminal investigation sought into conduct of former Helmetta mayor

These articles concern possible misconduct and records tampering by former Helmetta mayor Nancy Martin. Martin is under fire for allegedly using her authority to influence law enforcement officials to retaliate against a Spotswood couple who worked to expose awful conditions at the now-shuttered Helmetta animal shelter. -NJFOG —   ARTICLES:   Lawsuit: Ex-Helmetta mayor targeted Spotswood Read More …

Disturbing signs from Sussex-Wantage board

This editorial concerns an unauthorized purchase that a board of education subsequently voted to pay for after initially voting against the purchase at a prior meeting.  The editorial raises important questions.  For instance, why are public documents that would answer simple questions, such as when a purchase was made, being withheld from the public?  -NJFOG Dec. 3, Read More …

Open-government activist pursues investigation of Cape May County sheriff

“The courts have held that once an investigation is closed, the government’s interest in confidentiality is less,” said Paff, who believes that the public has a right to know what an investigation is about, even if no charges are eventually filed.  -NJFOG Press of Atlantic City / PressofAtlanticCity.com By RICHARD DEGENER, Staff Writer November 17, Read More …

Court orders release of pension fraud probe docs tied to Guadagno

Rare common law right of access case where portions of two documents regarding a pension fraud investigation may have to be disclosed. -NJFOG    By S.P. Sullivan NJ Advance Media for NJ.com November 12, 2015 (updated November 13, 2015) (Article here and re-posted below.) TRENTON — A state appeals panel has ordered the release of documents Read More …

Bloomfield officers convicted in ‘dashcam’ case

“Jeter’s lawyer sought the second dash camera video through an Open Public Records Act request… Based on the newly discovered video, the prosecutor’s office dismissed the charges against Jeter and opened an investigation into the officers that resulted in an Essex County grand jury returning an indictment against the officers in January of 2014.” -from Read More …